Alconbury March 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 106 - March 2021

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue Discovering the

Scottish Highlands British Pie Week Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys ur and all surrounding areas Yo EE R py

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Inside this issue...

Discovering the Scottish Highlands................................24 Get Sowing....................................................................26 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal..............................................29 Together for Animal Welfare..........................................31 Hybrid power keeps petrol Fiat 500 going......................32 Track your Outdoor Exercise............................................35 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 Can a Spring Clean be Green?.........................................38 Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re a burden................40 Villager Prize Crossword.................................... 42 Book Review..................................................................45 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Twentieth Century Medical Marvel

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Twentieth Century Medical Marvel...................................4 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...........................................8 Drinks: Loving Gin..........................................................10 Transforming Pets’ Behaviour.........................................13 Staging your House for Sale...........................................15 New Trends for Spring/Summer 2021............................16 St. Francis Children’s Society...........................................18 British Pie Week.............................................................21 Stamp Duty Land Tax Holiday.........................................22 Act Now - Year End Planning..........................................23

Can a Spring Clean be Green

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Nick Coffer, Trevor Langley, Kate Duggan, Wood Green, Jennie Billings, Tracey Anderson, Beacon Wealth, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, Sarah Davey and AHM Installations

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography - Sharaf Maksumov Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel: 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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History

By Catherine Rose

Twentieth Century Medical Marvel The last century saw some incredible developments in the field of medicine, including the ongoing identification of viruses, the discovery of DNA and perhaps one of the most important of all, the invention of penicillin, an invaluable weapon in the fight against bacterial infections.

The antibiotic era truly began eighty years ago in 1941, when the US developed widespread availability of penicillin. Although invented by Alexander Fleming in 1928, previously it had only been available in small batches.

It seems hard to imagine a life without antibiotics now, but prior to its development people would routinely die from even minor bacterial infections.

Antibiotics are produced from bacteria and fungi compounds that attack microbes, including other bacteria. But before Fleming’s discovery, human

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beings were already benefitting from antibiotics although they did not necessarily fully understand or appreciate why.

Traces of Tetracycline, possibly absorbed through diet or natural remedies, have been found in the skeletons of the Nubian people in Sudan dating back as early as 330AD and the ancient Egyptians would place poultices made of mouldy bread onto infected wounds, demonstrating that they knew this helped curb infection and promote healing.

In the late nineteenth century, a German physician named Paul Erlich noted that the newly invented chemical aniline dyes could stain and even destroy some bacteria but not others. This led him to believe that there must be chemical substances that could kill certain microbes while leaving others unharmed.

He subsequently used a chemical called

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arsphenamine to successfully treat syphilis although he called this treatment ‘chemotherapy’ (as in chemical therapy) rather than an antibiotic.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming was Professor of Bacteriology at St Mary’s Hospital, London when he discovered penicillin quite by accident.

He had been culturing a type of bacteria known as Staphylococcus, which causes sore throats, abscesses, and boils amongst other infections.

On returning from a holiday in Suffolk, Fleming discovered that one of his petri dishes had been left uncovered and had developed patches of mould.

Fleming noticed that there were no bacteria growing around the mould in this dish. The mould was called Penicillium notatum (today it is known as Penicillium rubens).

Fleming began to investigate further and discovered that compounds produced by this mould could kill not only Staphylococcus but a wide variety of bacteria. However, the compounds were unstable and he was only able to produce them in tiny quantities.

Fleming carried on his research but it wasn’t until eleven years later in 1939 that a team at Oxford University began work to purify and make penicillin available as a therapeutic drug. In order to do this, they had to produce gallons of mould filtrate.

In 1940, one of the Oxford team, a pathologist and pharmacologist named Howard Florey, demonstrated how mice could be protected from Staphylococcus bacteria by using penicillin. And in 1941, the first human being was injected with the drug: a fortythree-year-old policeman named Albert Alexander, who had developed serious abscesses after scratching himself while pruning roses.

Unfortunately, after making an initial recovery, Alexander died. But by the time Fleming successfully treated a patient named Harry Lambert in 1944 for

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streptococcal meningitis, penicillin was proven.

With Britain absorbed in the war effort and research virtually on hold, Florey realised that any development potential lay with the US pharmaceutical industry.

Following research into stabilisation of the drug, and large-scale production through collaboration with the chemical and fermentation industries in America, a meeting was organised by the Committee on Medical Research (CMR) with the top pharmaceutical companies: Pfizer, Merck, Squibb and Lederle.

The meeting went favourably and production of penicillin began in earnest, but it wasn’t an easy process. Pfizer’s John L. Smith summed it up by saying: “The mould is as temperamental as an opera singer, the yields are low, the isolation is difficult, the extraction is murder, the purification invites disaster, and the assay is unsatisfactory.”

Despite this, Pfizer succeeded in opening the first major manufacturing facility for penicillin on 1st March 1944.

By the end of the war, penicillin had been successfully used on wounded soldiers from the front line and was being dubbed ‘the wonder drug’.

In 1945, Fleming, Florey and biochemist Ernst Chain (their Oxford colleague) received the Nobel Prize for Medicine for the discovery and development of the first antibiotics.

The twentieth century was the golden age of antibiotics, with different spectrums subsequently being discovered, adapted, and used successfully, such as Streptomycin (an organism found in soil) and Cephalosporins.

However, there is a downside. Not all bacteria succumb to antibiotics and it is said that widespread use has led to resistant bacterial strains such as MRSA. Today, antibiotics have to constantly evolve to try and tackle this.

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YOUR BUSINESS, OUR SAFE HANDS At NFU Mutual Huntingdon we’re about more than just farms, we can cover your business too. Having a local office means we’re never far away if you need us, and our experienced Commerical Account Executive, Amanda Fenton, is on hand to assist you with your insurance requirements.

Have a real conversation about your insurance.

Amanda Fenton

We’re keen to hear from you so please do get in touch.

Green Farm, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, PE28 2PF

01487 773 757

huntingdon@nfumutual.co.uk

N J Parkinson & K M Scotting is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

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Food & Drink

Chuck-in-the-oven Baby Back Ribs I recently made the mistake of posting a similar recipe to this one on a local Facebook group. I wanted to publicise the fact that I’d used ribs from our local butcher and was proud of these deliciously tender and ribs. As well as the praise, the comment section was filled with “Rib Kings” who were seemingly furious at the recipe’s simplicity. I know there are 12, 24 and 36 hour versions for ribs, but these are truly the “chuck-in-theoven” easy version. And they are absolutely wonderful.

Ingredients You’ll need one full rack of baby back ribs, preferably with back membrane removed Store-cupboard marinade: 4 squirts ketchup 3 squirts honey Really good glug dark soy sauce Drizzle of oyster sauce Drizzle of sesame oil 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tbsp xiao xing wine

Serves 2 people

1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together. You can be pretty relaxed about the exact quantities. Save a little for later and rub the rest all over the ribs.

2. Pop them in a non-stick baking dish, add a little water to the base and cover with foil.

3. Bake at 130C for 4 hours, basting both sides every hour or so. You can always add a little water as you go to get the best bits off the bottom.

4. Uncover for the last 20 minutes and baste with the leftover sauce from earlier.

5. Carefully remove them from the pan and leave them to rest, wrapped in foil, for 15 minutes.

6. Cut them up and serve them immediately. The meat will be literally falling off the bone.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 8

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Food & Drink

Drinks: Loving Gin Gin is a (worldwide) favourite, for many. The base flavour is from juniper berries and, today, numerous flavoured gins can be located. Gin is a most popular part of many cocktails, too.

Multi award-winning THUNDERFLOWER Gin is a small-batch, craft gin produced using the traditional London Dry method. The several botanical flavours, that include Macedonian juniper, English coriander, cardamoms, pink peppercorns, liquorice, angelica root, plus elderflower, sage and others, are extracted by vapour infusion. Dartmoor spring water, is then added to the final spirit.

Following a lengthy experimentation and development period, the eventual recipe was agreed upon, by Dominic and Anicca O’Nions and the full-bodied, spicy London Dry gin was finally created. The attractive bottles are presented with much pride. Following the popularity, since launch, production has had to be increased to meet demand, from their distillery in Teignmouth, Devon. All bottles are hand-signed.

THUNDERFLOWER DRY GIN (42% vol) is a small-batch, craft gin and (in my opinion) very worthwhile locating.

Made in the traditional London Dry method and using a ‘one-shot’ distillation process, with botanical flavours extracted, by vapour infusion, Dartmoor spring water complements the production, perfectly. Smooth and with an excellent body, this gin is balanced superbly and the palate enjoys a sensation, to the end.

THUNDERFLOWER FIRE-SHIP (58% vol) has to be experienced, to be believed! This powerful production has a story that relates to the Fire Ships that were used in naval warfare. These wooden ships were set alight, then steered and aimed, whilst ablaze, into the fleet of the enemy.

THUNDERFLOWER FIRE-SHIP 58 is known as ‘Navy Strength’ and, again, is distilled in small batches, utilising the London Dry method and vapour infusions to great advantage, with Dartmoor spring water being added.

For a perfect ‘match’, to the aforementioned gins, FRANKLIN & SONS LTD (Est 1886) Natural Indian Tonic Water is a recommended addition (www.franklinandsons.co.uk). The blend of sparkling spring water, natural botanical flavours, plus quinine and cinchona bark extract, pairs extremely well indeed, with the THUNDERFLOWER productions, which are truly a great addition to any gin enthusiast’s collection.

ThunderFlower Ltd. Tel: 44 (0) 1626 374 055 E-mail: hello@thunderflower.co.uk www.thunderflower.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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Local News

Transforming pets’ behaviour Services offered by Wood Green, The Animals Charity have helped thousands of pet owners in the past year. Going beyond the rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs, cats and small animals, Wood Green is also able to help people resolve any petrelated queries or concerns.

These come in many different forms, like one worried owner who called Wood Green after her cat, Toby, began acting aggressively towards her. A vet had ruled out any medical concerns, so the charity’s Behaviour & Training Specialists stepped in.

Wood Green discovered that another cat had moved in nearby, which meant the garden was no longer a safe space. Giving Toby outdoor access was vital for his wellbeing, so his owner was advised to block up the cat flap and let him out via the back door instead – meaning Toby could check the path was clear and venture out confidently.

Sam Prior, Cat Advisor at Wood Green (pictured above), said: “Since making these seemingly minor changes, Toby is back to his old self – no longer hiding indoors and redirecting frustration onto his owner. The key to changing our pets’ behaviour is understanding

their emotional state, and what could be causing problems, which we can help with.”

If you are struggling with any pet-related issue, however big or small, please contact Wood Green as soon as possible. The charity may be able to offer a solution through advice, behavioural support or even financial support. If you are no longer able to care for a pet, their friendly team can help with that too.

Talk to Wood Green’s team on 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk

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Special Report

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House of Colour

What’s coming up this season, new trends for Spring/Summer 2021 There has been something of a shift this season as a result of the pandemic with more restrained options being presented. There has also been an emphasis on the longevity of designs, rather than a rapid change for each season; evolution rather than revolution, with sustainability coming more to the fore..

Styles are echoing some of the 1990s looks this season with clean minimalist looks and more unisex designs as well continuing themes from last season. You may already have items that will still be contemporary.

• Sharp lines associated with the 90s are coming through along with transparent fabrics and thin straps. These are contrasted with chunky chains (continuing from winter) and cut out detailing.

Strong blazer lines with sharp shoulder pads are also in evidence and add up to some key options for those who need a more striking look, with angles in their clothing.

• A theme we have seen for a few seasons is the emphasis on metallics and leather. From silver to warm tones of gold and bronze • Some 70s boho chic is also continuing this season with crochet and fringing. Romantic dresses with transparency and flow can also be seen. Volume in sleeves will also be accenting dresses and tops in this season. Shirred edging and ruffles are also combining for a romantic, feminine elegance look.

• Classical tailoring is being reimagined this season blurring the lines between formal and casual. The ‘work from home’ items are being updated to introduce some cleaner lines with a more relaxed aesthetic. Those who favour a formal classic jacket will be able to take this trend on.

• An escapism feel for summer is being echoed with brighter colours, and vibrant patterns in easy silhouettes. Designers reflecting a desire to lift the mood in our clothing styles.

• Colour – this season has focussed on naturally derived colours. Neutral tones of camel, peach and rose are featuring as are the complete range of greens from apple sage to ice green. Blue is continuing to feature in all its hues heavily this season and particularly French navy. Highlighter brights make an appearance to add pops of colour. Optic white (for those who can wear optic white…) can be worn top to toe this coming summer!

Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look.

Find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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Local News

St. Francis’ Children’s Society In the UK, almost 3,000 children are in need of an adoptive family, but the number of adoptions in England has fallen by a third in the last four years. Milton Keynes adoption agency St. Francis’ Children’s Society is encouraging people from all walks of life to consider whether they could adopt a vulnerable child.

There are very few circumstances which will completely rule you out from becoming an adoptive parent. In the UK, you can adopt if you are: • childless or already have children • married or in an enduring heterosexual or same sex relationship • single • heterosexual or LGBTQ+ • under or over 40 • of any or no religious faith • of any race or cultural background • employed or not • a homeowner or renting You can adopt if you’re married, in a long-term relationship or single. Caroline is a single, black adopter who became a mum with the help of SFCS. “I always knew I wanted children. It didn’t happen for me naturally, so I decided to adopt.

I’m divorced, but I work as a social worker, so was aware that you can be single and still adopt. Being a single parent is the hardest thing that I ever did, but it’s also the best!”

Adopters can be of any or no religious faith.

Children who are waiting for adoption come from many different backgrounds, cultures and religions, and SFCS accordingly welcomes adopters from all walks of life. Mahmood and Parveen are Muslim adopters whose faith was particularly important when it came to their decision to adopt with SFCS. “One of the reasons for us deciding to adopt was our religion,” says Mahmood. “Islam puts a lot of emphasis on helping other people and the Holy

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Quran specifically mentions helping orphans or those who do not have parents for any reason.

Adoption was something that we discussed when we first met many years ago, even before we tried for natural children of our own.”

You don’t need to own your own home or be ‘rich’ to adopt, either. Your financial stability and moneymanagement abilities will be discussed during your assessment, but being unemployed, on a low income or on benefits will not automatically rule you out from adopting.

You can also adopt whether you’re heterosexual or LGBTQ+. Emma and Zoe are a same sex couple who adopted siblings with the help of SFCS. Emma says: “If adoption is something that you feel is right for you, then go for it. Being LGBT is not something that should ever hold you back from adopting. What is important is that you have enough space physically and emotionally for a child. Our boys really don’t care that they have a Mummy and a Mama; they are safe and they are loved.”

If you can provide a safe, stable, loving home for a child or children who need it, the chances are you can adopt. Visit www.sfcs.org.uk and click on I’d Like To Adopt to learn more and begin your journey towards growing your family.

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At Oakleigh Residential Home we take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of care for our residents. Our home is set out in large gardens with easy access, 24 bright and comfortable, single-occupancy rooms and in-house cooks who create appetising and varied menu’s.

01480 890248 stonnell.oakleigh@outlook.com 22 North Road, Alconbury Weston, Huntingdon, PE28 4JR.

We provide 24 hour care and can accommodate clients who require dementia care.

www.oakleighresidentailhome.co.uk ESTABLISHED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1988 Oakleigh Residential half page.indd 1

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05/12/2016 11:03

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Time of Year

British Pie Week March 1st – 7th It’s hard to beat a good pie. Savoury or sweet there is something blissful about cracking the crust to release the fragrant contents within.

Did you know that three quarters of the British population say they eat a pie at least once a month and the British pie industry is worth £1.2bn per year!

But when did the pie come to Britain?

The earliest reference to pies as ‘pyes’ seems to be in the 1300s. These first pies were savoury, meat-only affairs, and the pastry case was not for eating, it was there as a form of crockery and to help preserve the contents for longer, particularly on sea voyages.

Pie bases went by the unappetising name of coffins (‘coffyns’).

By medieval times pies had become something of a centrepiece for banqueting tables. Cooks became competitive and enormous pie cases were made which could contain anything from live actors to musicians. These were definitely for entertainment only and not baked for consumption, though the ‘coffyn’ reference would have added a certain frisson to proceedings.

By Tracey Anderson

Shakespeare certainly used this ‘coffyn’ reference as a dramatic device. In his play Titus Andronicus, Titus has two male characters baked into a pie as a punishment. The pie is then served to their mother!

Harsh!

The nation’s favourite apple pie first materialised in the 14th Century. Another literary heavyweight, Geoffrey Chaucer published a recipe, which also contained figs, raisins, and pears, but no sugar, as it was too much of a luxury ingredient at the time. My personal favourite pie, the cherry pie, is said to have first been created for, and served to Elizabeth l. I shall be forever grateful to her majesty.

The pie continues to evolve, taking influences from other cultures. After watching The Bake-Off last year I tried my hand at Hermine’s Moroccan Tagine Pasties and Mark’s Aloo Gobi and Paneer Pasties. They were both delicious, but in UK polls the apple pie is consistently voted the favourite sweet pie while steak and ale tops the savoury charts. I do love a traditional steak and ale pie and there is a great recipe enclosed this month......Happy Pie Week.

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Travel

Discovering the Scottish Highlands If outdoor adventures and romantic scenery sound like key ingredients for your perfect staycation, it won’t take you long to fall in love with the Scottish Highlands.

Imagine awe-inspiring landscapes, towns rich in culture, fluffy Highland cows, centuries of history and castles straight from a fairy tale – all topped off with a dose of Scottish hospitality. If, like many of us this year, you’re on the hunt for a staycation closer to home instead of your usual holiday abroad, the Scottish Highlands should definitely be on your radar.

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Whether you choose to drive there in your own vehicle, kick back on a train journey or take one of the direct flights to Inverness from an airport near you, the Highlands are easier to access than you’d think. With so many sights and experiences to tick off while you’re there, we’ve put together just a ‘wee’ selection of the top things to do on a staycation in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

1. Hike or ski Ben Nevis A hiker’s paradise in summer and a skier’s playground in winter, the UK’s highest peak is a year-round magnet for keen outdoor types.

Nevis Range is the Scots’ favourite ski resort in winter, but its panoramic mountain views make it well worth a visit in the summer too. Take a cable car there to enjoy hikes of varying degrees, or for a real challenge, tackle the seven-hour trek to Ben Nevis’s peak! Regardless of the season, wrap up warm and wear your waterproofs; the weather can change very quickly at this altitude.

While exploring Ben Nevis, it’s a good idea to base yourself at nearby Fort William. Set amidst magnificent mountain scenery, this charming town has been coined the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and is a fantastic jumping off point for exploring the Highlands’ glens and mountains.

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2. Visit Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Lose yourself in the medieval history of Inverness’s picturesque ruined castle, dating all the way back to the thirteenth century. The castle also sits on the banks of the iconic Loch Ness, making the pair a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Scottish Highlands.

Book a fascinating tour around Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness to learn about their role in Highlands history, keeping an eye out for the mythical monster rumoured to roam these waters…

3. Spend a couple of days on the Isle of Skye Scotland’s crown jewel, the Isle of Skye is the largest and arguably the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Spectacular moors, rocky valleys, dramatic mountain ranges and white sandy beaches: Skye’s landscapes will take your breath away.

Admire the iconic Old Man of Storr, take a dip in the turquoise waters of magical Fairy Pools, walk along the cliff front to Neist Point Lighthouse and hike the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery. The Isle of Skye has no shortage of things to do; you could spend a week here alone!

4. Go hiking in Glen Coe You’ll hear the word ‘glen’ a lot on a holiday to the Scottish Highlands, mainly because this corner of the world is filled with them. These deep, narrow valleys are synonymous with beautiful

scenery, and Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s finest.

Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic explosions, Glen Coe’s beauty has made it the star of many famous films, including Skyfall and the Harry Potter series. Outdoorsy types will find plenty to do here, but if you don’t fancy exploring on foot, the A82 highway cuts straight through the verdant valley. Make time for plenty of stops – the scenery is truly out of this world!

Conveniently, Glen Coe is set just twenty-three miles south of Ben Nevis, making it easy to add both attractions into your holiday.

5. Explore Britain’s biggest national park Covering 1,748 square miles, Cairngorms National Park is twice the size of the Lake District and cradles five of the six highest summits in the UK. You could easily spend days exploring the mountains, lochs, rivers, forests and villages of this mammoth national park, but if you’re short on time don’t leave out a visit to Balmoral Castle – Queen Victoria’s favourite – and a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to follow too. As you explore, keep an eye out for the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, the UK’s only free-grazing reindeer!

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Get Sowing With the seed-sowing season upon us in earnest, now is the time to buy seeds from your local garden centre or a reputable online UK seed supplier. At the same time buy some seed-sowing or multipurpose compost and some small seed trays and get sowing!

Heated propagators are not essential, but they will dramatically increase the range of plants you can grow.

If you do use one, remove the seedlings when they appear then grow them on somewhere with plenty of natural light and, often, a fair degree of warmth.

A common problem is algae covering the surface of the compost when you sow slow-germinating seeds.

Using a freshly opened bag of compost and mains water reduces the chance of algae getting into the seed tray, and make sure your watering can is really clean. A thin layer of vermiculite on the surface of the compost can also help.

Seeds come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes.

Tiny seeds like begonias and lobelias must be more thinly spread or a congested thicket of seedlings competing for light, food, water and space that is more prone to diseases will result. Buy yourself some fine horticultural silver sand, make sure it is thoroughly dry and then mix the seed from the packet in about half a teaspoonful of sand before you sow. Play sand used in children’s sand pits works well too.

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I always recommend sowing seed into compost before you wet it and then, once the seeds have been sown, water the seed tray or pot by standing it in the sink or in a tray of water, with the water about 1cm in depth.

This will allow the moisture to be taken up without disturbing the seeds’ position.

Prick seedlings out when they are large enough to handle, but take care. Wait until there are the two seed leaves (larger, chunkier and differently shaped from the true seedling leaves) plus a pair of true seedling leaves.

With tiny seedlings I tend to transplant or prick them out in blocks, gently easing them apart slightly as I pop them into their new compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not saturated to minimise root damage.

Use a small dibber (or a pencil) to carefully ease the roots out, handling the top part of the seedling by the seed leaves, never by the stem. Make sure you put the seedlings into their new home immediately and water them in from the base, so that the compost and its moisture are in close contact with the fine roots.

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club.

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal Wilma & Mable Wilma and Mable are a closely bonded pair of indoor female guinea pigs and are 18 months old.

They are both a little difficult to catch at present but improving slowly. They love their food and will run out to greet you with the hope of a snack. They will be a really chatty pair once they get to know you.

For more information, please contact Zoe on 01234 342150.

Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team.

View the dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity

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Pets

Together for Animal Welfare

At a time of change and uncertainty about the future, there are some things that we can depend on. The RSPCA is one of them. For nearly 200 years we have been at the forefront of animal welfare. This will never change. We will rescue and protect animals for as long as they need us.

We have worked hard to compile our “2021–2030 strategy” document that highlights the ways we will remain dedicated to this cause, to 2030 and beyond. It sets out how, in an ever-changing world, we will adapt, innovate and focus over the next decade and beyond, so that we can continue to do what we do. It is a very ambitious strategy that outlines our vision, mission, core beliefs and values.

Our eight bold priorities by 2030 are both critical and achievable to realising our vision and new mission.

1) Reduce neglect, abuse and cruelty to companion animals – including exotic pets – in England and Wales by 50 percent.

2) End the illegal selling of puppies and kittens in the UK. 3) See more than half of all the UK’s farm animals reared to RSPCA welfare standards and encourage people to eat less, eat better by encouraging people to eat less meat, fish, eggs and dairy from low welfare farms and to only choose higher welfare labels.

4) Secure a global commitment to developing, validating and accepting non-animal technologies to replace animal experiments, and put an end to severe suffering for laboratory animals 5) We’ll establish animal protection as a significant UK government goal. We want to see an Animal Protection Commission, legally established as an independent public body.

6) Achieve statutory powers in England and Wales for RSPCA inspectors under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

7) Secure the adoption by the United Nations of a comprehensive Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

8) Inspire a one million-strong movement for animal welfare by 2030, via our new Community Engagement Programme.

We endeavour to meet all of these goals by collaborating with individuals, branches, organisations, communities, colleagues in the welfare sector and governments. We’ll build new relationships and improve existing ones, so that we can reach even more animals and change the way society views animals.

Developing an annual Animal Kindness Index will help us track evolving public attitudes and behaviours, and show us where we need to focus our work.

We know that in order to create a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness, we need governments, civil society, businesses, communities, families and individuals to share our passion for positive change. From our animal rescuers and carers to our volunteers, from those who donate money or help raise awareness, to those who lead the change through their own acts of compassion, we are all in this together.

If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999.

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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31

Motoring

Hybrid power keeps the petrol Fiat 500 going a little longer Ted Welford finds the charming Fiat 500’s age has now got the better of it What is it? The 500 was Fiat’s twentieth century icon until 1975. Following the revival of the model in 2007, Fiat still sells 400,000 of these city cars every year, despite many rivals.

What’s new? Fiat has now released a new electric 500, which should also be a hit with its sub-£20,000 starting price making it one of the cheapest EVs, but there is also Fiat’s new 500 Hybrid. It’s not a full hybrid, but rather a petrol engine with a small electric motor, battery and belt-integrated startergenerator. So does it succeed?

What’s under the bonnet? Only available with a sixspeed manual gearbox, this new mild-hybrid petrol engine develops just 69bhp, with 0-60mph taking 13.6 seconds, but around town it’s fine.

The mild-hybrid system includes regenerative braking and the engine can ‘switch off’ while coasting to improve fuel economy.

What’s it like to drive? The Fiat excels in urban areas, as at 3.5m-long it remains tiny, is a doddle to park and has great visibility and brilliantly light steering. However, ride quality is poor while the driving position leaves a lot to be desired, and refinement is also poor.

How does it look? With its scope for personalisation, bubble-like shape and cool retroinspired design, it offers bags of charm. A range of trim and liveries add to the appeal.

The 500 still looks fresh despite the only real design changes since 2007 being some new lights, fresh alloy

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wheel designs and updated bumpers. Some subtle ‘Hybrid’ badging is fitted as part of this update.

What’s it like inside? The cool colour-matched dashboard is a particular highlight. There’s a clear instrument cluster, with an optional central seveninch TFT display. A seven-inch touchscreen is also fitted, and while not the best available, it’s simple to use and gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A panoramic glass roof is a nice touch.

However, other areas feel cheap, with hard and scratchy plastics littering the cabin. It’s small even by city-car standards, with a dinky 185-litre boot and compromised rear space.

What’s the spec like? Prices for the Fiat 500 start from £13,020 for the Pop-spec car, which includes air conditioning, a DAB radio and a speed limiter. But our choice is the £14,750 Lounge model, which adds a touchscreen, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and a glass roof.

The top-spec Launch Edition is £17,150, which includes satellite navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels and special seats made from recycled materials. But at that price, you can buy a far more accomplished supermini.

Verdict It’s a testament to the 500’s cool retro design, easy-to-drive nature and quirky interior that it continues to be popular. It’s appealing use around the city and the Hybrid system means it will be cheap to run. But its ageing design, poor ex-urban driving experience and cheap cabin make this Fiat tough to recommend. Consider the electric model instead…

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Technology

Track your outdoor exercise Great gadgets from simple trackers to the smartest smartwatches One of the simplest and cheapest exercise trackers is the pedometer, which tells you how many steps you’ve walked in a given period. There are lots of them around for very little money: for example, the Omron Walking Style One Step Counter, a pocket-sized digital pedometer, is around £16.

However, if you’d like to track more than just steps you’ll need to look at a dedicated fitness tracker. These aren’t necessarily much more expensive – you can get Huawei’s attractive and effective Huawei Band 4 for less than £30 – but they’re more useful, as they typically add heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, calories burned and other key data. Some also offer sleep tracking. Although they’re battery-powered they usually last much longer than smartwatches, typically going for over a week between charges and not needing long to recharge. There are versions designed for kids, too, such as the Fitbit Ace, which track activity but not calories.

The next step up from fitness trackers is the smart watch. Apple’s watch is the market leader here, but it’s also one of the most expensive, and you can get good smartwatches such as the Samsung Galaxy (£159) or the Huawei GT2e (£99) for a lot less. These devices offer a wider range of fitness tracking features and usually connect to your smartphone to share data with your health and/or fitness apps.

In many cases the line between fitness trackers is blurred. For example, the Fitbit Versa Lite is a smartwatch, but really it’s a super-powered fitness tracker and unlike more expensive devices you can’t install your own apps.

The latest generation of the Apple Watch is really impressive, both as a smartwatch and as a fitness tracker. It isn’t cheap – the latest model, the Series 6, starts at £379 – but the more affordable Apple Watch SE starts at £269. The older Apple Watch Series 3 is £199, although we think the SE is more capable and worth paying slightly more for.

Apple Watch SE This is the current mid-range Apple Watch and it’s effectively a cut-down version of the range-topping Series 6.

It’s packed with fitness features. £269, Apple.com Fitbit Inspire HR This Fitbit is cheap but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in features. It has a workout monitor and heart rate sensing as well as step and calorie counting, and it syncs nicely with Fitbit’s phone app. £59, Fitbit.com

Sigma ROX 7.0 Cycle Computer If you prefer pedalling to pounding pavements, Sigma’s GPS cycle computer can track your performance on every ride and deliver every conceivable kind of statistic. £59, Wiggle.co.uk

Honor Band 5 Smart Fitness Tracker A fully featured fitness tracker for under £30? That’s what this little marvel from Honor delivers. It’s a great little device available in a range of colours. £29.99, Amazon.co.uk

Omron Walking Style One 2.0 Step Counter This pocket-sized device contains the same kind of 3D accelerometer sensor you’ll find in smartphones, enabling you to track your steps, kilometres and miles.£15.99, Argos.co.uk

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Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

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Time of Year

Can a Spring Clean be Green?

When the spring light catches the surfaces in my home, I see smears and dust, and I fall victim to ‘the spring-cleaning bug’. Suddenly I want to scrub, dust and polish everything in sight.

A few years ago, I made a big effort to become a ‘greener cleaner’. I worried about the active ingredients in my cleaning products and wondered how much damage that chemical cocktail was doing to the planet?

Most of us have a miniature chemical factory stashed under our sinks: detergents, bleaches, and degreasers, all containing potentially hazardous substances which find their way into groundwater and contaminate the lakes and the oceans.

Phosphates are some of the main culprits. They are common in laundry detergents and some cleaning products. An average consumer uses the equivalent of 14Kg of detergent a year. High phosphate levels in water cause ‘algae blooms’ which contribute to the death of fish and other water-dwelling creatures.

These algae blooms are becoming more common thanks to a combination of pollutants and global warming.

Cleaning products can have an adverse effect on our health. Household ammonia is often found in window or general glass cleaners. It is a skin and eye irritant and deadly to fish, even in low concentrations, so it’s not something we should flush down our drains. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is corrosive and an eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.

It is especially toxic to people with heart conditions or asthma. D-limonene is a degreasant found in citrus and orange cleaners. It is also a neurotoxin, an irritant and can cause respiratory distress.

But as I investigated Eco products I stumbled into a minefield. Many big companies produce eco-brands, but this involves ‘greenwashing’, which is defined as an attempt to make consumers believe a company is doing more to protect the environment than it actually is. They use unregulated words like ‘natural’ and ‘eco-friendly’ while still using potentially harmful chemicals. They don’t list ingredients or information about manufacture and supply, and if you check their websites there are no environmental targets

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By Sarah Davey published nor information about progress on their environmental impact.

I won’t lie, truly environmentally friendly products are more expensive so the cheapest way to do a green spring clean is to make your own and there are some great websites around with detailed instructions on how to do just this.

I did try to make my own but found that work constraints meant I struggled with some of the more time-consuming concoctions, but I’ve listed a couple of websites in case you feel you’d like to try this. I am a huge fan of distilled white vinegar which I use to clean toilets, windows, and mirrors. I also like Bicarbonate of Soda which is a great degreaser, scouring agent, and deodoriser. For ready-made cleaning products I’ve suggested a couple of UK websites which are certified environmentally and vegan friendly.

I’m not perfect. Sometimes I do grab a regular cleaning product for convenience but I’m gradually becoming greener and if we all switched even one or two of our products for a greener cleaner, the planet would thank us.

Homemade product recipes and lifestyle advice https://moralfibres.co.uk/ https://www.madeleineolivia.co.uk Certified environmentally friendly companies https://biod.co.uk/ https://greenscents.co.uk/

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Local News COVID-19 - SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES

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Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re a burden Bathing a problem? – we can help

We live in an aging society. There are far more people aged over 65 in the UK today compared to a generation ago, and it’s a fact of life that our needs • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • change as we get older.

Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety Why then, do we sometimes feel like a burden if we flooring • Grab rails & shower seats • Zero VAT ask for help in our later years? on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over Age UK did some research into why people struggle 60s SSAFA and Service personnel • Disabled proofEx their bathrooms, but usually our phone calls in later life. They found that older people often feel from• people whowork can no and longergrants carry on safely excluded, or they exclude themselves, from theFacilities come Grants Charity as they are. world around them. This was because of a few things, It’sadvice not just asking for help that puts people off. such as people feeling their lives didn’t hold as much Call for friendly It’sand also the worry that their bathroom will end up worth; feeling that the benefits of makingand a change free survey quote looking clinical, like a hospital bathroom. We can were outweighed by the effort; and not knowing actually create very warm and welcoming designs how to change things. using lovely flooring and tiles.

We all have bad days. But if you’re struggling every www.ahminstallations.co.uk In the last 20 years, we’ve never had anyone say they day with household tasks like paying bills, info@ahminstallations.co.uk cooking or * the didn’t like their fact, people using the bathroom, or your emotions are getting Terms and conditions apply, visitbathroom. our websiteInfor more details.send us letters and emails to say how much they love their better of you, then it’s time to act. new bathroom. It’s an opportunity to refresh and For support and guidance, call Age UK’s Advice Line update one of the most important rooms of your any day of the year on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm). house.

When it comes to help in the home, it’s common for Here’s what some of our customers have said: people only to seek help as a result of a fall, accident “Not only have they done a great job, but they have or near-miss. It’s also common for a spouse, carer or Village 62 x 93 .indd 3 05/02/2021 09 been so kind to my mum who is very fragile both family member to take physically and emotionally at the moment.” Margot action on someone’s “I am extremely pleased with my bathroom. It behalf. exceeds expectations!” Angela At AHM Installations, “To be able to speak to the same person when we fit walk-in baths, calling the office… was very important to me and showers and wetrooms. you dealt with my queries very efficiently.”

We speak to customers Mrs Pearce every day who have had If you’re ready to seek help with your bathroom, the courage to pick up please call our family-run team on 01480 275559. the phone and ask for our guidance. Occasionally we Simon and Julie Symcox, co-founders of AHM Installations help people to future-

01480 275559

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our February Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Barry Angove, Great Stukeley

February’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

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Across 1 Outermost (7) 5 Six sided objects (5) 8 Turn (5) 9 Woman’s holdall (7) 10 Media notice (13) 11 Relaxed (6) 12 Idiotic (6) 15 Exhibition (13) 18 Not quietest (7) 19 Very angry (5) 20 Perfume (5) 21 Meals (7)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

16th March 2021 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

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Books

Read your way to a beautiful home Spring is traditionally the time to clean, refresh and beautify your home. If you’re not sure where to start, take inspiration from one of this month’s books.

The Easy Life

By Lynsey Crombie

Most of don’t have ‘cleaning the toilet’ or ‘sorting the cupboard of doom’ at the top of a list of favourite things to do on a Sunday. So why not leave the scrubbing for a bit and curl up with a book instead? The Easy Life will teach you tried and tested methods for a cleaner, more organised home. The focus is on time and energy-saving hacks. There are checklists, handy hints and plenty of down-to-earth advice.

The Declutter Challenge

by Cassandra Aarssen

As Cassandara says, ‘How do you create a home that makes you feel calm and happy instead of superstressed and a little ragey?’

The answer? Declutter.

Unlike other decluttering books, this one doesn’t just focus on the ‘how’, it also helps you to take a good look at the ‘why’, and deal with emotional baggage as well as physical clutter.

Wild at Home

By Hilton Carter

Clean & Green

By Nancy Birtwhistle

Whether you’re trying to be a bit greener this year or just fancy having fewer chemicals around your home, this book could prove invaluable. It’s packed with recipes for DIY cleaning products along with tips on everything from laundry to super-easy oven cleaning. (Who knew chopped up ivy leaves could be used to clean clothes?)

If you struggle to keep a succulent alive, are bored to death with peace lilies or want to know how to arrange houseplants for maximum impact, this is the book for you. The photos alone are enough to send you running for the garden centre. As well as bags of inspiration, you’ll also find practical advice on everything from taking cuttings to dealing with common pests and problems.

Homebody

By Joanna Gaines

Simplicity at Home

By Yumiko Sekine with Jenny Wapner

If you yearn for a simpler life, this book might be a good place to start. It offers advice for creating a calmer, minimalistic home by following Japanese traditions. There are also meal recipes and guidance on everything from mending ceramics using ‘kintsugi’ to patchworking and selecting plants. A must for fans of Japanese culture.

By Kate Duggan

Whether you’re decorating your first home or just want to refresh a room, it’s always a good idea to seek a bit of inspiration. But ultimately, you don’t want a show house; you want a home that reflects your personality. In Homebody, Joanna Gaines explains how to do just that. She talks the reader through different design styles, gives solutions to common problems (e.g. small dark rooms) and goes through what to consider for every room in the house. And, of course, there are plenty of photos to lust over too.

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